Sato I Tanaka - a Blissful Experience
When I left Sato I Tanaka after my first visit I felt like I just came out of a spa. I was so relaxed and so tremendously satisfied. I entered with very high expectations but they were all exceeded. Sato I Tanaka is quite an experience.
Sato I Tanaka, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.
The door looks rather anonymous, and inside you will find a mere 15 seats, all along the bar that surrounds the chefs. This establishment is run by Mr Kenji Ueno (who also owns renowned Can Kenji and Aiueno) and the name of the restaurant originates from the main chefs: Ryuta Sato and Aki Tanaka.
Sato I Tanaka, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.
We went for lunch and opted for the tasting menu: 29€ for the shorter one and 35€ for the longer one (drinks not included). We chose the shorter menu but oh did we regret it! Not because of the amount of food (I was perfectly satisfied) but since everything is prepared in front of you you'll also see the items that are not destined to be eaten by you... You don't want to miss out on anything, it's all THAT GOOD.
Sato I Tanaka, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.
Sato I Tanaka, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.
I became spellbound watching the chef prepare the dishes. First we received a little bowl with green peas and octopus, an excellent start for what was to come. From there we continued the journey with sashimi (the sea bass with sea urchin was mind-blowing), then tempura and after this came the nigiris. To die for. An octopus nigiri sprinkled with a fascinating flavourful salt, a prawn nigiri, sea urchin maki, miso soup... I do not want to spoil the surprise for you and tell you all the details, but there were 15 dishes included in the shorter menu and I loved every single one.
Sato I Tanaka, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.
The atmosphere definitely added to the experience, chef Sato was soft-spoken and so friendly (as was the rest of the staff), there was piano music in the background and (most) guests were almost whispering. All the good food and the relaxing environment made it a perfect long lunch that will repeated again, I can assure you.
Sato I Tanaka, Carrer del Bruc, 79, Barcelona (Eixample).
